I believe that is the ideal way to hold it. But from my research, this is an ok alternative until a more sophisticated grasp can be mastered.

As a kindergarten teacher I was supposed to teach and train children how to hold a pencil with the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. The forefinger and thumb pinch the pencil and the middle finger goes under for support, holding it on 3 sides. That’s also why trainer pencils and crayons are triangular, they should be held on all 3 sides…

I’ve seen that idea too but have yet to try it! I’m sure we will when he gets past the crayon stage. Thank you for all your efforts for students!

An OT that I once worked with also recommended using a hair tie/scrunchie — put the hair tie around the wrist, like a bracelet. Stretch the “bracelet” towards the thumb and forefinger, and twist so it makes a figure eight. Put the pencil or crayon in the other loop created by the figure eight, and it’s perfectly positioned to hold the item in place!

I love gathering these little tips to help my students be more successful! Thanks!

Love it!

An OT at a school I taught at once told me to use the marker cap. It is a good place to store the marker while using it and it helps to create a better grip. 🙂